They won 32 of 89 games going 32-46-11, and only Florida (71) and Buffalo (74) compiled fewer points than the Oilers' 75. It was not a banner calendar year for the Oilers, and tonight they will try to end a disturbing trend vs. one of the top teams in the western conference.

The Oilers are 1-11-1 against the top-eight teams in the west since October and have been outscored 53-27. They beat Colorado 8-2, but in the other 12 games they've been dominated by combined scores of 51-19.

The Oilers have given up143 more shots than they've taken during these thirteen games. On average they've been outshot by 11 shots. The Canucks and Kings have thoroughly dominated the Oilers, but the only current playoff team they've outshot is the Coyotes. They have to continue that tonight if they have any hope of beating the Coyotes.

The above stats illustrate just how far the Oilers need to go to become a playoff team. It's a bitter reality pill, but one the organization needs to be aware of. There are no short cuts or easy paths to becoming an elite team in the NHL, and the Oilers need to work on becoming more competitive against the top teams.

It won't happen overnight, because their talent level isn't going to magically increase, but their core players should be inspired to work harder and smarter against the best teams.

LINEUP

Roman Horak will play his 83rd NHL game tonight and first as an Oiler after coming to Edmonton in the Ladislav Smid trade. Horak has been playing centre in OKC, but he'll play the wing tonight. He hasn't shown enough offence at the AHL level (27-25-52 in 104 games) or in the NHL (5-13-18 in 82 games) to be considered a top-six forward, but Oklahoma head coach Todd Nelson thinks he could be a solid two-way 3rd liner.

Nail Yakupov will watch from the pressbox tonight. Dallas Eakins had this to say about Yakupov after the morning skate, "We're going to get him back in the lineup ASAP. I'm going to do some things differently and so is he. The plan is one game."

Eakins hinted that he will play Yakupov with Gagner and Eberle when he returns and he'll keep him there if Yakupov is more committed away from the puck, especially in the defensive zone. Many feel that the Oilers should automatically give Yakupov significant minutes, and while I agree players need to play in order to improve, Yakupov has to show that he is willing to learn to be committed.

I don't blame Yakupov for not being great defensively. Prior to playing in the NHL he didn't have to worry too much about the defensive side of the game, because he was so dynamic offensively. That changes when players reach the NHL, and it is up to the individual player to adapt.

If Yakupov shows a new dedication and awareness to the defensive side of the game, his offence will improve, but if he struggles learning to play defence, which would be understandable considering he's trying to do it in the toughest league in the world, why wouldn't the Oilers consider a short stint in the American Hockey League?

I've yet to see one legitimate reason why the Oilers couldn't let Yakupov gain confidence and improve his defensive game in the AHL.

Would 10-15 games in the AHL ruin him? I don't think so.

Also, the threat of him bolting to the KHL is a hollow threat. The KHL honours NHL contracts now, and he has one with the Oilers until the spring of 2015. Does anyone honestly believe that if he returned from the AHL a better player, had a strong final 20 games and a good NHL season next year that he would still hold a grudge over a one month stint in the AHL? I sure hope not.

Who cares if his agent Igor Larionov spouts off again? When he and Yakupov went public earlier this year it didn't cause a major disruption. It was talked about for a day and then people forgot about it. I'd like to believe that the Oilers organization has thick enough skin to not let a vocal agent dissuade them from making a move that will benefit the player and their organization long term.

Maybe this one-game benching will grab Yakupov's attention and he'll realize in order to succeed in today's NHL you need to be responsible in both ends of the rink. Time will tell, but if he struggles with his defensive assignments, I would strongly consider a stint in the AHL. I don't consider a stint in the AHL a negative.

Most players need time to develop and the goal of the Oilers and Yakupov should be to improve his overall game, and if a stint in the minors is the best option, then they should take advantage of it.

I understand the situation is different, but when Hall went to the minors he wanted to focus on becoming a better passer. In his first 136 NHL games Hall had 46 assists. In the 79 games since playing in the AHL he has 54 helpers. He used his time in the AHL to improve his passing, and he admitted it was much easier honing that skill in the AHL than it was against the best players in the NHL.

COMPARISONS...

I've noticed many feel that Yakupov hasn't been given the same opportunities as Hall, RNH or Eberle. Of course he hasn't, because every situation is different. Every situation is different, and when Yakupov came here the Oilers already had RNH, Hall and Eberle, something those three didn't have to deal with when they entered the league.

The other main difference is their production. Yakupov had one outstanding month, one good one (January) and he's been consistent in the other five, but not been nearly as effective. That isn't a knock on Yakupov, just the .

Month

GP

G

A

PTS

January

7

4

1

5

February

12

2

4

6

March

15

0

4

4

April

14

11

4

15

October

12

1

2

3

November

13

3

3

6

December

14

2

3

5

Totals

87

23

22

45

Yakuopov had an outstanding April, and he produced 1/3 of his career totals in those 14 games. In the other 73 games he has 12 goals and 30 points. He has struggled a bit adapting to the NHL, which is understandable, and by no means would a short stint in the AHL suggest he can't be an effective NHL player.

I believe the benefits from a stint in the AHL would significantly outweigh seeing him play limited minutes in the NHL>

Every player will mature and produce at different rates, so no one should have expected that Yakupov, just because he was a #1 pick, would automatically produce or develop at the same rate as Hall or Nugent-Hopkins.

They had different linemates and they are different players. Hall is more dynamic and Nugent-Hopkins has a much more complete overall game. I think is it unfair to expect them to all produce the same, and it is unrealistic to expect them to be used the same.

The most important thing when it comes to Yakupov is ensuring he develops properly. Much of that is on him, as Struds pointed out in his article, but the Oilers are also responsible for watching how he develops. If he continues to struggle in the NHL, then they must strongly consider sending him to OKC.

TONIGHT....

GAME DAY PREDICTION: At some point they have to beat one of the top teams, don't they? They end 2013 with a 4-3win.

OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: Perron, three goals, is the only Oiler dressed tonight who has scored against the Coyotes this year, (Acton, Jones, Pitlick also scored). He continues to produce against the Dogs picking up a goal and an assist.

NOT-SO-OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: Bryzgalov plays his first game with his new mask and plays great stopping 34 of 35 shots. He makes a save with the right side of his mask and after the game credits his son's drawing for that stop.

One of Canada's most versatile sports personalities. Jason hosts The Jason Gregor Show, weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., on TSN 1260, and he writes a column every Monday in the Edmonton Journal. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JasonGregor

Instead of continuously ripping on Gagner,watch non factor Hemsky. He accomplishes absolutely nothing. How many points has he got in the last 10 games. Other than the 5 ft high pass to Smyth for an assist. I will take Gagner over him any day. The trade deadline can't come soon enough.

You just don't send a first overall pick to the AHL. Too many goons down there that will target him. The only reason Hall and Nuge where there was due to the Lock out and the league address the issue of targeting player during that time. Ask Hall, Nuge and Eberle if it helped them. It didn't ! Infact it was a huge adjustment for them due the scrambly ,disorganized play. But go ahead send Yak down and turn him into Paul Comrie.

How old are you?? Do you remember the '06 playoff run?? Without hemsky getting us past detroit that would of been fictional! Hemmer is the only 1st rnd draft pick from that era that ever worked out. Hemmer is probably the only reason Lowe and MacT still have jobs with this organization!! Hemsky carried this organization for a decade!! He's the reason Horcoff got his contract. Extended smyttys career and took the pressure off hall when he was growing up. I'd like to personally thank Hemsky for wasting his career keeping this franchise afloat! If you have a problem with hemmer you have a problem with me

Then I have a problem with you.

Hemsky has been a waste of cap space for over two years now.

Lowes deputy signing him to a contract so ridiculous that he is virtually untradable.

He brings nothing to this team that it doesn't already have a surplus of.

Should have been bought out but now is an albatross on a team that has a flock of them.

How old are you?? Do you remember the '06 playoff run?? Without hemsky getting us past detroit that would of been fictional! Hemmer is the only 1st rnd draft pick from that era that ever worked out. Hemmer is probably the only reason Lowe and MacT still have jobs with this organization!! Hemsky carried this organization for a decade!! He's the reason Horcoff got his contract. Extended smyttys career and took the pressure off hall when he was growing up. I'd like to personally thank Hemsky for wasting his career keeping this franchise afloat! If you have a problem with hemmer you have a problem with me

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!! Thanks for the New Years comedy. You should have your own HBO special.

oilers lose 5-2. Gagner floats around in the D-zone covering no one and gets a -3. Horak scores a goal on the powerplay and even Eakins wonders why he was out there. Oilers allow a shorthander on that same powerplay. Happy new year everyone.

Yakupov is NOT the problem. Eakins should sit in the press box with Bucky, Smith and Acton to see what actual NHL coaching looks like. "6 Rings" and "Bold Moves" have provided ZERO support to their star players. This does not allow these players to thrive in roles that they are familiar with. This is odd as Lowe and MacT have made careers off of the backs of star players. Mid-term grade for coaching/management in Edmonton=F.

How old are you?? Do you remember the '06 playoff run?? Without hemsky getting us past detroit that would of been fictional! Hemmer is the only 1st rnd draft pick from that era that ever worked out. Hemmer is probably the only reason Lowe and MacT still have jobs with this organization!! Hemsky carried this organization for a decade!! He's the reason Horcoff got his contract. Extended smyttys career and took the pressure off hall when he was growing up. I'd like to personally thank Hemsky for wasting his career keeping this franchise afloat! If you have a problem with hemmer you have a problem with me

Preach! Hemmer needs to be here till he retires. He is really our 2nd best player over 200ft. K, maybe 3rd.

I think that the oil have hitched their wagon to Eakins, he's going nowhere, so the fire coach crew are in for a disappointment. Will he win this battle of wills with players like Yak? He won't lose, either Yak grows up here or elsewhere.

Coyotes , Jets, same thing. Oil owns them. 3-1 late Xmas present for fans, Gagner has a game and the empty netter.

The "fire the coach crew" won't be disappointed - the keep the coach crew will have to deal with his ultimate failure and removal. I told you so will be better left unsaid and also unnecessary.

Instead of continuously ripping on Gagner,watch non factor Hemsky. He accomplishes absolutely nothing. How many points has he got in the last 10 games. Other than the 5 ft high pass to Smyth for an assist. I will take Gagner over him any day. The trade deadline can't come soon enough.

How old are you?? Do you remember the '06 playoff run?? Without hemsky getting us past detroit that would of been fictional! Hemmer is the only 1st rnd draft pick from that era that ever worked out. Hemmer is probably the only reason Lowe and MacT still have jobs with this organization!! Hemsky carried this organization for a decade!! He's the reason Horcoff got his contract. Extended smyttys career and took the pressure off hall when he was growing up. I'd like to personally thank Hemsky for wasting his career keeping this franchise afloat! If you have a problem with hemmer you have a problem with me

I think that the oil have hitched their wagon to Eakins, he's going nowhere, so the fire coach crew are in for a disappointment. Will he win this battle of wills with players like Yak? He won't lose, either Yak grows up here or elsewhere.

Coyotes , Jets, same thing. Oil owns them. 3-1 late Xmas present for fans, Gagner has a game and the empty netter.

Lowes deputy signing him to a contract so ridiculous that he is virtually untradable.

He brings nothing to this team that it doesn't already have a surplus of.

Should have been bought out but now is an albatross on a team that has a flock of them.

I'm gonna have a field day with this one! where even to begin!? lets run down your list

Waste of cap space?? how so? is dubnyk not making enough for his quality goaltending? is gagner not happy with 3.5... does Eberle want more than 6? who havnt we paid enough cuz hemmers contract is hampering us?

untradeable?? would you rather have him locked up for the next 5 years? he's off the books at the end of the year. if im gearing up for a palyoff run i'm very interested in a ppg player who's contract I don't have to worry about.

brings nothing to this team is your last point... that doesn't even dignify a response

I do believe that you can teach a little defensive play in the NHL, but only if you are getting adequate minutes.

Struds pointed this out and I have to agree with him........IMHO the more important issue with Yaks is his inability to play a team game........all too often he wants to dangle through the entire opposition line-up.

I'm praying he does not turn out to be the second coming of Hemsky.......tons of talent playing solo in a team game is not my idea of development.

Once again another commentary that leaves out the detail that Gagner has been playing as bad or worse then Yak with zero repercussions. he continues to get better linemates, more minutes, PP time you name it. Yet Yak is put down on the 4th line and asked to produce.

Like you said in reference to EBS , Hall, and Nuge that they were given the slack because of the lack of talented players above them. That was then and this is now. But "right now" Gagner is playing like crap. Game in game out horrendous play and yet he gets a flyer and nobody in the MSM is willing to point out the outright favortism this player has been recieving for a very long time. Where's the accountability there? The same thing is now happening with Gagner that has happened with Hemsky. recognize the players with defficiancies in the system and trade them before the other 30 teams know as well or be stuck with them.

#1 Yak isn't being asked to produce on the 4th line, he is being asked not to F___ Up. No one is expecting Yak to get hat tricks on the 4th line.

#2 Gagner definitely needs some time in the press box. But who is supposed to play centre in his place right now? Options are pretty limited at this point. Would you like Yak at 2C? Or do you want an AHL call up?

Maybe Brent Sutter should be the other coach they have talked about adding, make Eakins pick up his game, he knows a bit about winning as well 2 rings more thaan Eakins.

No way they hire sutter - he is too high a stature - and thus would challenge the Edmonton old boy hierarchy. Just look at all of lowes hires - only Quinn had stature and he was hired by tambo on the understanding that it was a transitional position.

Watching the WJ I can't decide which I'd like to see more in oilers silk, Ekblad or Reinhart. Both are playing key roles with the team as underagers and both look great defensively. Suter has these guys out when they need a shut down. What say you nation? Ekblad or Reinhart?

Ekblad. Why? We already have one #1 overall forward playing on the 4th line / sitting in the pressbox.

Once again another commentary that leaves out the detail that Gagner has been playing as bad or worse then Yak with zero repercussions. he continues to get better linemates, more minutes, PP time you name it. Yet Yak is put down on the 4th line and asked to produce.

Like you said in reference to EBS , Hall, and Nuge that they were given the slack because of the lack of talented players above them. That was then and this is now. But "right now" Gagner is playing like crap. Game in game out horrendous play and yet he gets a flyer and nobody in the MSM is willing to point out the outright favortism this player has been recieving for a very long time. Where's the accountability there? The same thing is now happening with Gagner that has happened with Hemsky. recognize the players with defficiancies in the system and trade them before the other 30 teams know as well or be stuck with them.

#1 Yak isn't being asked to produce on the 4th line, he is being asked not to F___ Up. No one is expecting Yak to get hat tricks on the 4th line.

#2 Gagner definitely needs some time in the press box. But who is supposed to play centre in his place right now? Options are pretty limited at this point. Would you like Yak at 2C? Or do you want an AHL call up?

Hmmmm i dont know? I seem to remember this player called Arcobello that up until a week ago(injured) was clearly superior to Gagner in the 2C role. And yet Gagner continued to crap the bed with no repercussions.

When the season has zero chance at playoffs what does it matter? Put Boyd Gordon at 2C for a game or 2? The point is different standards for players sends a poor message. How long do we need Gagner to get the message his poor defensive play doesnt matter because management is gonna coddle him?

LOL, this team man is such a fkin joke. Petry amzazing pass....then Belov half asses to break up the breakaway after your fkin goalie been bailing the team out the entire game. Fk I haven't played in 10 years I bet I could win a fkin puck battle once or twice a game Oilers are lucky to win that in a entire fkin game. 4-3 PP fkin pass fest and no one wants to just grow a fkin set and just go for it. Geez this team sucks.

OT goal was Belov's fault, nothing to do with Petry. What was with the hesitation to close Yandle down? Belov is responsible for that one, plain and simple.

I agree - Belov should have covered that off much sooner and prevented any kind of breakaway to the net. All he had to do was pull back a bit, once he saw Petry was in danger of losing the puck. Even with the failure to anticipate, Belov should have put in a better effort to shut that down.

I think the Oilers will lose a lot of games like this. The price to be paid for being out of the playoff race. The Coyotes were desperate for 2 points to keep playoff hopes alive, they fought thru adversity and found a way to win.